Labeling-machine.



- Patented Man-4, I902. E. N. GILF ILLAN'& E. TLMcKAlG.

LABELING MACHINE.

(Application filed July 26, 1901.) v (flu Model.) 3 Shanty-Shoat I.

fig. 1

Edd yimcxmy k M Q Eaazkgym m my Patented Mar. 4, i902. E. N. GlLFlLLAN & E. T. MBKMG.

LABELING llAcmm-z.

(Application filed July 26, 1901.)

3 Shuts-Sheet 2.

("0 Model.)

m: NORRts PKTEHS mg, wow-Limo" WASHINGTON. u c.

No. 694,95. Patented Mar.- 4, 1902.

E. N. GILHLLAN G. E. T. GKAIG,

, LABELING MACHINE.

(Application filed July 26,1901. MIBL) I 3 Sheds-Sheet 3.

Eddy T A 1c. Karly; 1 Am zon AZ Gil mm X x Nrrnn STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ESSINGTON GILFILLAN AND EDDY T. MCKAIG, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS,

ASSIGNORS TO NEW YORK LABELLING MACHINE COMPANY, CORPO- RATION OF NEW YORK.

LABELlNO-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 694,915, dated March 4, 1902.

Application filed July 26, 1901- Serial No. 69 786. (No model.

b reference characters designate similar parts in each of the figures.

This invention relates to labelingmachines for applying labels to articles such as bottles,

boxes, the, while such articles are fed along [5 a runway in an intermittent manner, so that each of said articles comes successively into cooperation with each of a series of label-applying devices, which together serve to apply and smoothly press down a label to each of said articles.

Figure l is a top'view'of a machine embodying this invention. Fig. 2 is a side view of the same. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical section substantially along the central line of the machine, showing the mechanism in a different position. Fig. 4 is a partial transverse sectional View showing a modification.

The frame of this machine is composed of side members A, secured together by transverse members A, A and A Two longitudinal guiding members B and C are so members A and A so that the member 0 is also mounted so as to be adjusted transversely of the machine and rigidly held in 5 any desired position. Asnpporting-ridge B is formed on the inner edge of the member B. Upon the inner edge of the member C is formed the beveled portion C, as is shown in Fig. 4, upon which the articles fed along the machine rest and by which they are forced -cured to these bolts by nuts, as shown.

into contact with the opposite guiding member, so that these articles are supported by the ridge B and by the beveled edge 0' at either side of the machine. The gage O is secured to the member 0 by the screws 0 and is secured to the member Bby screws or bolts 13*, which engage slots in the gage 0 so as to provide for the lateral adjustment of the lower guiding members, which has just been mentioned. This gage is formed with a central opening 0, as shown in Fig. 1.

The upper retaining member Dis supported by bolts or pillars l) and D extending upward from the transverse members A and A The retaining member is adjustably se- This retaining member forms, in connection with guiding members B and O, a runway extending longitudinally of the machine from the upturned edge 0 of the gage to the front end of the machine at which the runway is open since the-forward end of the retaining member is supported by the lug D,formed on this member. 'The retaining member is formed form anarrow'opening D entirely through this retaining member. The reciprocating feeder E is mounted in the slot D and is sup- 8o ported upon the ribs D so as to reciprocate longitudinally'of the retaining member. The

extent of this reciprocation is limited by the rear end of the slot D and at the front end by the adjustable stop D secured'to the retaining member by bolt D", passing through a slot D in this stop. B y adj ustin g this stop in any desired position the extent of the reciprocation of the feeder E may be correspondingly varied.

In the under side of the retaining member D there is formed at either side ,of the central slot D a groove D in which slides the guide-piece E secured to the reciprocating feeder E by the screw E, so that the feeder 5 is-held down in proper engagement'with the retaining member in its reciprocation. Upon the top-of the feeder, which may be formed,

if desired, of two thicknesses of material rigidly secured together, are pivoted at either side of the feeder, so as to project on either side of the retaining member D, the double series of feeding-pawls E, E and E pivoted about the pivots E, E and E respectively, on either side of the feeder. These pawls are prevented from assuming any lower position than is shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings, but they are free to move upward about their pivots. The two holding-pawls F and F are pivoted about the pivots E and E secured to the reciprocating feeder, and these pawls project through slots E and E formed in the top of the reciprocating feeder along the central line of the same, so that they are allowed a limited movement about their pivots to the extent indicated in Figs. 2 and 3. The lower end of these holding-pawls are curved, as is indicated in the drawings, so that they are adapted to partially embrace the articles to be fed to hold such articles in positive engagement with the feeding-pawls during the forward movement of the reciprocating feeder.

The upper ends of these holding-pawls are pivoted at F and F to the connecting-rod F the rear end of which is pivoted at G to the link G. This is pivoted in turn at G to the rocker-arm G rigidly secured to the rock-shaft G journaled in the lower part of the frame of the machine.

The operating mechanism of the machine comprises a handle H, secured to the end of the operating-lever H, rigidly secured to the rock-shaft H The other end H of this operating-lever has pivoted to its outer end by the bolt H the connecting-link G At the rear end of this link is formed the slot G through which passes the pivot G7 of the crank G rigidly secured in any desired position upon the rock-shaft G by means of the setscrew, as shown. The link K is connected at its rear end with the pivot H in the operating-lever and at its forward end is pivoted, by means of the pivot K, to the crank K rigidly secured in any desired position to the rockshaft K by the set-screw shown. The proportions of these parts are such that the arms H and K are always maintained in substantially parallel position by the con nectin g-link K. The spring H is secured to the rock-shaft H by its inner end coming into contact with the lugH upon this shaft, and the spring after making several turns about the shaft on either side of this lug extends forward and is provided at its forward end with a small antifriction-roller H which engages the labelbox, as will be mentioned hereinafter. Asimilar spring K is secured to the rock-shaft K and is provided at its forward free end with the friction-roller K for actuating the pressure-pad. The crank-arm H is rigidly secured to the rock-shaft H and at its outer end is pivotally connected with the rod L The upper end of the rod L fits loosely in the holein the crank-pin L rigidly secured to crank-arm L for operating the rock-shaft L mounted in the frame'of the machine. The

two stops L and L secured to the rod L by coming in contact with either side of the' crank-pin L 'transmit a limited oscillation to the rock-shaft L The label-applying devices consist of the paste apparatus, the label-box, and the pressure-pad mounted at three stations below the runway, which is composed of the bottom guiding members B and O and the upper retaining member D, so that these label-applying devices cooperate properly with three articles, indicated in Fig. 3 as three bottles M, M and M although we wish to be understood that instead of bottles any other articles, such as small packages or boxes, might be labeled in this machine.

The paste apparatus consists of a paste-receptacle L, removably supported upon inwardly-projecting ribs A on the side frame members A. The paster consists of three wires L in substantially U form, as is seen in Fig. l, the parallel outer ends L of these wires being bent upward, as is shown in Fig. 3, so that they are adapted to come in proper engagement with the article M by passing through the opening 0, formed in the gage 0 These wires, which are preferably of spring material, such as spring-steel, are fastened at their rear ends to the plate L rigidly secured by screws to the rock-shaft L as is indicated in Figs. 1 and 3. The material of which these paste-applying wires is composed renders it possible for these wires to accommodate themselves toany irregularities there may be in the lower surface of the article to be pasted, so that these Wires apply three lines of paste to the under surface of such article, the paste-wires of course dipping into the paste and then rising into contact with the article, as is indicated in Figs. 2 and 3.

The label-box N has substantially rectangular form, the upper end of the box being formed with inwardly-projecting flanges N to grip the outer edges of the labels, as is indicated in Fig. 3. This box fits loosely over a plunger N having a curved upper surface,

as shown, for bending the labels as they are forced upward, and this plunger is clamped to the support N by suitable screws, which pass loosely through holes formed in either side of the plunger, so that this plunger may be adjusted slightly with respect to the stipport N. The support is mounted to reciprocate vertically upon the two guide-rods N, which are rigidly secured at their lower ends to the transverse frame member A, the support being formed with two guide-pieces, one at the lower end of the same and the other, N at the upper end of this support, so that the support and label box is accurately guided in its vertical reciprocation. The support is formed with the cam-surface N on its lower side, to be engaged by the roller H H upon the actuating-spring, by means of which the label-box is raised into contact with the article to be labeled and forced yieldingly into contact with such article. It

ICC

upon the label-box being'lowered will stick,

to the article. and be therebydrawnout of the label-box. The aperture N is formed in .the side of the label box, and through this aperture thelabels may be inserted when the label-box israisedsufficiently on the plum ger. In this way thesupply of labelsin the box may be readily replenishedfrom timeto time. 1. a I

The pressure}padl?, formed of rubber vor any other elastic yieldable substance, .isse-v cured to the block l?. This bloclrisadjustably-supported uponthe pressure-support P? and is clamped in any desired position thereonby the wing-nut Pig'severalof which may beemployed, ifrdesiredn 'The pressure-supportis mounted to reciprocate verticallyand is guided upon two rods P secured to the transverse member A as is shown in Fig. 3. It will of course be understood that, two of these guide -rods 1? are employed, one at either side of the machine, and that the pressure-supportis guided at .either side of the same at the twopoints Piand-P, where thesupport encircles theseguiding-rods. -Th6j cam-surface P is formed on the lower endof thepressure-suppont andiis engaged by the. friction-roller K onthe; actuating-spring K .soas to yieldingly force thej'suppcrt an d the pressure-pad carried thereby into contact withthe lower surface of the article to be labeled, as indicated inl ig. 3.

The operation ofumymachin'e in labeling articlessuch as bottles, for instance is as.

follows: If. the machine. is in theposition shown in Fig. 2, the bottle M having justbeen placedin positionon the gage'by being thrustin from the farther side of the machine, lthe operatinghandle H is then moved downward into the position shown in Fig. 3, Through the. connecting mechanism,

. article throughout a considerable extent and 1 which has previously. been described, the

'paster L isthrown up into .contactwith the.

lower surface ofithe bottle hflas is shown in Fig. 3, to applyea' number of lines of paste to this bottle, the labelrbox and pressurespad being simultaneously moved, upward into yielding contact with two otherarticles ll l and M5, which have previously. been inserted.

in the machine. sufficiently, the pin G comes in contact with the forward end of the slot in,this link, and thereupon the rockenarm G3 is actuated ina rearward-direction, carrying with it'the link G and the connecting-rod Fflwhich operates first to raisethe holding-pawlsji" and E to the position shown in Fig. s ne, thereafter.

, to move the reciprocating feeder rearwardto ,the position as shown in that figure. ,The

operating-handle His new raised to theposi. tion shown in Fig. 2, and this movement first withdraws the paster, label-box, and pressure-pad from contact with the bottles,.and

The link G having moved 7 thereafter the pin ,Gi", thencoming in contact with the rear endofthe slot G ,.operates the.- connecting-rod F toforce the holding-.pawls F and F downin contact with the bottles andthen to move the reciprocating feeder for; ward, so that the bottles M. and M are posi tively held between the holding-pawls F1 F and the feeding-pawls E E on either side of .7 5

the reciprocating feederypthe feeding-pawls, E serving to engagethe rear portionof the bottle M The movement of the feeder cons tinues until it reaches theipositionshown in Fig. 2, when eachof the bottles will have been moved forwardone step, the bottle ll 0008-? pying the position. of 1 the bottle. M and-so on. Another bottle .isinserted in contact. with the gagerand this operation is repeated;"-- Itwillbe seen thatat each reciprocation-of the operating-handleone bottle is pasted, a

label is applied to another bottle, and another gage the forward side ofreach of the articles I00 the exact entent of the, feed of eachof the -articlesis positively determined. j Instead of having,twofeeding-pawls there might be employedany omen-numberof, these pawls, or

indeed a singlefeeding-pawl might be used if to 5 sufliciently broad in 'adirection transverse to the runwayefthe machine, so that itwouldem gage each article to be labeled and positively. feed, it forwardin a parallel manner. ,Thisis shown in Fig. ehwherethe feeder E has pivoted 1 10 to it thefeeding-pawlEf, this pawl havil ga wide working faceE sothat itfengages the,

feeds it forwardc in, a parallel mannerr :As the pawl moves. backwardjdoring the rear- '1 I 5 ward reciprocationof the feedexgthe working face .of this pawl moves. up into the longi l tndinalrecess D formed in the hole D.

. Parts of this device may bensedseparately and might be employed in connection, with .120 other devices wellknownin this art without losing the advantages of this improvedcon struction. .Wedonoh-therefore, desire to be limited to the disclosure whichwe have made in this case; but what is claimedas new, and; z 5 what we wish tosecure by Letters Patent; is. set forth in the accompanying claims.

What is claimed as new is. 1. In a labeling-machinaa runway c om-, posed oi'lower guiding,membersand an rip-111 0 ;per .retaining member, a reciprocating feeder .mounted in saidretaining member, a series, of feeding-pawls and a seriesof holding-pawls movably {mounted on said feeder to engage a series of articles and intermittently feed them step by step along said runway, label-applying devices situated below said runway and means to reciprocate said feeder and also to operate said label-applying devices to apply labels to articles intermittently fed along said runway.

2. In a labelinginacl1ine,a runway having an upper retaining member extending along the same, a reciprocating feeder mounted in said retaining member, a series of feedingpawls and a series of holding-pawls mounted on said feeder and projecting into said runway to intermittently feed a series of articles along said runway, a paste apparatus, a labelbox and a pressure-pad mounted at stations beneath said runway to apply labels to articles fed along said runway.

-3. In a labeling-machine, a runway composed of adjustable lower guiding members, and an upper adjustable retaining member, a reciprocating feeder mounted in said retaining member, a series of feeding-pawls and a series of holding-pawls mounted upon said feeder, a paste apparatus, a label-box and a pressure-pad mounted below said runway to cooperate therewith, ,means to reciprocate said feeder to intermittently feed fore neath said runway to cooperate therewith and means tooperate said feeder and said applying devices to intermittently feed forward a series of articles along said runway and to apply labels to'such articles when such articles are stationary in said runway.

5. In a labeling-machine, a runway having an upper retaining member, a reciprocating feeder mounted in said retaining member, a series of feeding-pawls and a series of holding-pawls mounted in said feeder, label-applying devices underneath said runway to cooperate therewith, means to reciprocate said feeder and simultaneously to operate said with the same, means to operate said label-applying devices and said reciprocating feeder and said holding-pawls to intermittently feed a series of articles in a positive manner along said runway to place said articles directly above said applying devices at said stations and to apply labels to said articles while they are stationary in said runway at said stations.

7. In a labelingmachine, a runway comprising an upper retaining member adjustable in position to adjust the size of said runway, a reciprocating feeder mounted in said retaining member, a series of feeding-pawls and a series of holding-pawls mounted in said feeder, label-applying devices comprising a paste apparatus, a label-box and a pressurepad mounted at stations below said runway to cooperate with said runway and means to yieldingly operate said label-applying devices and also to operate said feeder and said holding-pawls to intermittently feed forward in a positive manner a series of articles to said stations along said runway to release said holding-pawls from said articles as said feeder is retracted and to apply labels to said articles while they are stationary at said stations along said runway.

8 In a labeling-machine, a runway comprising an upper adjustableretaining member to adjust the size of said runway, a reciprocating feeder mounted in said runway, a series of feeding-pawls and a series of holding-pawls mounted on said feeder, label-ap- I00 plying devices mounted at stations below said runway to cooperate with said runway, means to yieldingly operate said applying devices, said means having a loose connection with said reciprocating feeder and said means opcrating said holding-pawls to intermittently feed forward a series of articles in apositive manner to said stations along said runwayto release said articles as said feeder is retracted and to apply labels to said articles while they I I0 member, a double series of feeding-pawls I15 mounted in said feeder to engage a series of articles at two points along the rear of each of said articles, a series of holding-pawls mounted in said feeder, label-applying devices mounted at stations below said runway I 20 to cooperate with said runway, means to operate said label-applying devices and said feeder to intermittentlyfeed forward a series of articles in parallel position along said runway, and to apply labels to said articles while they are stationary in said runway.

10. In a labeling-machine, a runway comprising an upper retaining member, a reciprocating feeder mounted on said retaining member, a double series of feeding-pawls 0 mounted on said feeder to engage a series of articles at two points along the rear of each of said articles, a series of holding pawls mounted in said feeder, and label-applying devices mounted below said runway to cooperate therewith, and means to operate said label-applying devices and said reciprocating feeder to intermittently feed forward a series of articles in parallelposition along said runway and to apply labels to said articles while they are stationary in said runway.

11. In a labeling-machine, a runway,a reciprocating feeder mounted adjacent said run- Way, a double series of feeding-pawls mounted on said feeder to engage a series of articles at two points along the rear of each of said. articles, aseries of holding-pawls mounted on said feeder to engage the front of each of said articles between the points of contact .of said feeding'pawls, means to operate said holdingi pawls and to reciprocate said feeder to intermeans to reciprocate said feeder and simul-" taneously to'operate said holding-pawlsand also to operate said applying devices to posi tively feed forward a series of Y articles inter-- mittently along said runway to apply labels to such articles while they are stationary in said runway. f 1 13. In a'labeling-machine; a runway, labeling devices mounted to codperate with said runway, a reciprocating feeder mounted ad jacent said runway,feeding-pawls mounted on said feeder to engage articles at more than one point along the rear of each of said articles, holding-pawls mounted on said feeder to engage the front of said articles to hold said articles in engagement with said feedingpawls and meansv to operate said holdingpawls and to simultaneously reciprocate said feeder.

14. In a labeling-machine, a runway, are- ,ciprocating feeder mounted adjacent said runway, at multiple'series of -feeding-pawls mounted'on said feeder to engage a series of articles at more than one point along the rear end of each of said articles, and a series of holding-pawls mounted on said feeder; to intermittently feed forward in a positive man ner a series of articles in parallel position along said runway.

15. In a labeling-machine, a runway, labeling devices mounted adjacent said runway to cooperate therewith, a feederv mounted adjacent said runway, duplicate feeding-pawls mounted on said feeder to engage articles on said runway. at more than one-pointalon g the rear of each of said articles, holding-pawls on said feeder to engage the-front of said articles between said feeding-pawls to hold the same in engagement with said feeding-pawls and means to operate said holding pawls and to simultaneously operate saidfeeder.

' 16. Ina labeling-machine, a reciprocating feeder, a multiple series of feeding pawls mounted on said feeder to engage aseries of articles at more than one point along the rear end of each of said articles, a series of holding-pawls rnountcdonsaid feeder and means to positively movesaid holding-pawls with respect to said feeder, said feeder operating to intermittently and positively feed forward a series of articles in parallel position."

17; Ina labeling-machine, 'a"reciprocating feeder,v a double series of feedingpawls mounted at-either side of said feeder to engage a series of articles at two points along the rear end of each of said articles and aseries of holding-pawls mounted on said feeder, to intermittently and positivelyfeed forward a series of articles in parallel position.

18. In a labelingmachine, a reciprocating feeder, a d uplicate set of feeding pawls mounted at either side'of said feederto engage a' series of articles at two p'oints'along the rear end of each of said articles, a series of holdingpawls mounted on said feeder and means to reciprocate said feeder and simultaneously to operate said holding-pawlswith respect to said feeder to' intermittently and .positively feed forward a series of articles in parallel position and to release said holdingpawls from said articles as saidfeeder is retracted? r 19. In alabeling-machine, a reciprocating feeder, a double series of feeding-pawls mount-c 1 o 5 ed at either side of' said feeder to engage a series of articles at two points along'the rear end of each'o'f said articles a series of holding-pawls pivoted'tosaid feeder-and means pivotally connected with the free'ond ofsaid holding-pawls to reciprocate saidfeeder and simultaneously to operate said holding p'awls to intermittentlyand positively feedforwa'rd a series of articles andto release said holding-pawls from said articles as said-feeder is retracted.

20. In a labeling-machine, a runway, a reciprocating feeder mounted adjacent said runway, feeding-pawls mounted onsaid feeder, holding-pawls pivoted to said feeder and means pivoted to the endsofsaid holding pa-wls to rotate said holding-pawls about their pivots and to operate'said feeder. p

21. In a labeling-machine, a runway, comprising a guiding member formed with a slot and a eoeperating member formed witlr'an inclined face to maintain articles on said runway in contact with said slot, a reciprocating feeder and a multiple series of. feeding-pawls mounted on said feeder to engage a series of articles at more than on'e point on the rear end of each of said articles to intermittently 1 feed forward said series of articles'in parallel position;

22. In a labeling-machine, a runway comprising a guiding member having an inclined face to maintain articles fed along said runway, in proper alinement, a reciprocating feeder mounted adjacent said runway, at multiple series of feeding-pawls mounted on said feeder to engage a series of articles at more than one point on the rear of each of said articles to intermittently feed forward said series of articles in parallel position along said 10 runway.

ESSINGTON N. GILFILLAN. EDDY T. MGKAIG. Witnesses:

FRANK A. ACER, 1 HARRY L. DUNCAN. 

